There is a lot to admire about the city of Houston, Texas. From its diversity to the Astros to everything being bigger in Texas it’s quite an amazing state. However, Texas as a state is known for having shelters full of abandoned dogs. If you live in Texas, California, Florida, North Carolina, or Georgia, you have a very sad trait in common: A place among the highest-ranking states for euthanasia – and Texas is number one.
Plagued with over-populated shelters with high-kill rates, compassionate animal lovers across the city are working hard to change their state’s infamous reputation. These rescues are the epitome of Texas Tough, taking big and bold approaches to activate systemic change in the way animals are treated.
One focuses specifically on saving moms and litters, while another serves as the savior shepherd for German Shepherds, but they all have one thing in common: An abiding love and respect for dogs and the joy they can bring to all of our lives if given a chance to live. Here are the best dog rescues in Houston, Texas.
1. Friends For Life Houston
Founded in 2002, Friends for Life has the honor of being known for pioneering the no-kill shelter model in Houston, Texas. They believe that every life matters and will not turn away any animal. They will simply find a way to take them into their rescue.
The shelter who introduced the city’s first animal food bank, and established the nation’s first rescue where dog and human family members could take refuge together after Hurricane Harvey, has continued this tradition of disaster management innovation in the current COVID-19 crisis. They are ensuring that no family is faced with an impossible choice by setting up the city’s only Drive-Thru & Pet Food Bank.
At this location, your pet can enjoy a free vet exam, vaccinations, and pet food. This allows pet parents experiencing financial hardship to care for and hang onto their furry children. They also keep a steady pulse on animal welfare metrics to ensure they are taking every possible measure to save every animal. This is a finely tuned operation exclusively aimed at enacting systemic change and providing every furry Houstonian with their best life. This is honestly one of the best dog rescues in Houston.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 107 E 22nd St, Houston, TX, 77008
- Website: Friends 4 Life Houston
- Phone: (713) 863-9835
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Social Media
2. Adore Dog Rescue Houston
The Adore Houston Dog Rescue believes that human beings are inherently good and that our first inclination is to do everything we possibly can to honor the commitment we make to our pets. They want to provide Houstonians with a helping hand by educating them about the needs, natures, and natural tendencies of rescues, and providing much-needed assistance with vet care and food that might otherwise be too much for some budgets.
Their dog rescue volunteers have the compassion to realize that everyone’s situation is different, and who among us hasn’t been in a position where we would like to make the right decision but are constrained by a lack of resources? In those situations where the owner has no choice but to surrender their dog, they are ready with a host of foster families to begin the transition to another loving home. Especially during these trying times, an organization like Adore is a much needed dog rescue in Houston.
They also have a soft spot for bully dog breeds. The Pitbull has become quite the underdog due to owners who don’t understand their temperaments and therefore place them in situations where they cause unintentional harm. Pit bulls account for many of the street dogs mercilessly euthanized, when they could thrive as pets in the appropriate homes if given a chance. Adoption fees range from $200-$300 and help to cover the costs of everything Adore does for Houston’s four-legged community.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 419 East Huffsmith, Tomball, TX, 77375
- Website: Adore Dog Rescue Houston
- Phone: 281-290-0121
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Instagram
3. Pup Squad Animal Rescue Houston
Every puppy needs a momma, so in situations where separation occurs, this devoted organization steps up as a surrogate. Pup Squad Houston was founded by four former City of Houston Animal Control (BARC) volunteers who were tired of watching newborn puppies fall victim to airborne diseases, and the lives of pregnant mothers being snuffed out due only to lack of resources. They become heartsick and decided to do something about it by creating this dog rescue in Houston.
Pup Squad focuses on rescuing orphaned babies and nursing litters from Houston’s streets, shelters, and other untenable situations like overcrowded and high-kill shelters. They strongly believe that sometimes an ounce of prevention is all that’s needed, and take it upon themselves to educate the population about how spaying and neutering can literally save thousands of lives.
If you’d like to become a puppy or dog’s forever mom or dad, the adoption fee is $250 dollars, plus whatever you would like to give to further this group’s heroic efforts.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 448 W 19th St # 262, Houston, TX 77008
- Website: Pup Squad Houston
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Social Media
4. Shaggy Dog Rescue Houston
Kathy Wetmore, the angel at the helm of Shaggy Dog Rescue, is a fan of the scruffy look, and she hopes you are too! Saving a wide variety of mutts from an uncertain fate at high-kill shelters, this small dog rescue in Houston relies solely on charitable donations and the charity of a network of foster homes where their “furry kids” can lodge until they find them a forever home.
They are understandably very protective of their charges, conducting interviews with potential adopters’ vets, and an open adoption with progress reports. All dogs will come home with you spayed or neutered, vaccinated-to-date, micro-chipped, and having received a course of preventative heartworm medication.
If you would like to adopt one of these shaggy characters, please contact Kathy at the email address listed below.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 1337 Banks St, Houston, TX 77006
- Website: Shaggy Dog Rescue Houston
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook
5. K-9 Angels Rescue Houston
This worthy organization pulls dogs of all breeds from overcrowded local shelters and relies heavily on loving foster homes where they can board them until a forever home is found. This dog rescue in Houston believes in planning for the longterm – or a worst-case scenario like the pandemic we currently find ourselves mired in. Their foster-based nature has enabled them to quickly pivot to online-only applications and with meet-and-greets by appointment only.
They also want to ensure that forever isn’t just lip-service, so they will only consider applicants who are: 23-years-of-age, can prove their financial capability to adequately care for a dog, and are able to pass a home visit. Due to the trauma their dogs have often endured, they prefer experienced pet parents and they won’t hesitate to ask for vet records just to make sure.
If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs and have carefully considered all of these variables, donations range from $200 for an adult to $275 for a puppy.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 1215 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
- Website: K9 Angel Dog Rescue Houston
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Youtube
6. Scout’s Honor Rescue
Channeling movies like Lady & The Tramp and Beethoven, the pound is a sad, lonely place for a dog or cat, but they have a friend in Scout’s Honor. Run by four busy professionals moonlighting as saints, this dog rescue in Houston has saved over 3000 precious dogs and cats since its inception in 2006 – and they currently have more than 80 pets vying for the attention of every potential adoptee who walks through their doors.
Also rescuing animals from the desolate streets, they advertise themselves as a “one-stop-shopping” because they welcome any dog or cat – regardless of health. They will take as many pets as they can afford based on available foster homes, volunteers, and of course financial resources. As their ability to save lives depends so singularly on foster pet-parents, they are always looking for compassionate Texans to open their homes to a lonely soul.
If you are ready to make a lifetime commitment, the adoption donation amount for a dog is $150, and $85 for one of their kitties. This helps to offset the costs of spaying / neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and any other medical condition your new best friend might need treatment for.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 1302 Waugh Drive, Box 245, Houston, Texas 77019
- Website: Scouts Honor Houston
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Facebook
7. Lani’s Lucky Shepherds of Houston
“It takes a village” – or more specifically, a village of German Shepherds and the people who adore them. This laudable dog rescue in Houston focuses on saving these majestic dogs from the streets, overcrowded shelters, and abusive domestic situations.
Operating on the above mantra, they aim to inspire their volunteers to keep going in a job that oftentimes might seem futile and remind them that there are those from every race, culture, and political stripe who share their worldview that all animals deserve to be cherished.
While their wish would be to rescue every dog, they conduct behavioral testing to ensure they are putting their efforts into those who have the best shot at transitioning into a foster home and eventually a permanent placement. These shepherds are lucky to be adopted by this dog rescue!
While in the Lucky Shepherds’ care, they receive behavioral training and the best veterinary care including vaccinations-to-date and spaying and neutering. Most importantly, they are invested in as the worthy beings they are to ensure they have the best shot at a happy forever home.
Rescue & Adoption Details:
- Address: 1488 STE A-300, Magnolia, TX
- Website: Lucky Sheperds Dog Rescue Houston
- Email: [email protected]
- Social Media: Instagram
Conclusion for Best Dog Rescues in Houston, Texas
There are several different dog rescues in Houston where you can find your forever friend. Rescuing or adopting a dog is a good way to not only save a dog’s life, but also make room for future rescue dogs. There are so many dogs in Houston, Texas that are euthanized every single year so you’d be doing a good service by adopting one. We hope that you found our list of the Best Dog Rescues in Houston, Texas helpful in your search!
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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